Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by Fhaoilgeal

I recently sent Josh an email asking about the release of Tunis Mills and received a very kind reply today. He said that Tunis Mills has been released under the name, Sova - which I believe was one of his first releases on Etsy. (This link gives a really good interview with Josh.) Josh also stated that he'd sent a sample of Sova which should arrive next week.

So tonight checking my email, I find a link to Sova sent from my Slumberhouse subscription.

Sova (formerly known as Tunis Mills) is now available for sale from Slumberhouse.

I just ordered a sample of this as well and I'm really looking forward to trying it. It's a bit confusing, though, that this is apparently both a recreation of his first fragrance (also named Sova) and the latest incarnation of Tunis Mills, but a much less sweet version of it, according to Josh. At any rate, it sounds like it might be great for fall. I looked up several of the notes I wasn't familiar with and many of them have something to do with either tobacco or hay.

Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by Tonyprince

I looked up several of the notes I wasn't familiar with and many of them have something to do with either tobacco or hay.

I did the same thing. I found the list of notes along with their 'stage names' intriguing.
I wonder how the 'less sweet' version will impact the overall feel of the fragrance, not to mention the use of castoreum starring as The Wolf!

“interpretation is the revenge of the intellect upon art.” - Susan Sontag

Re: Slumberhouse

Great interview Alfarom! Its awesome that Slumberhouse is getting some attention and I also look forward to Josh's bargain sales whenever they occur as it allows me to get more bottles of his creations.

Re: Slumberhouse

Just wanted to mention that Josh's annual 33% off sale has begun, and will continue on his website through this weekend only. Your chance to get a discount, support his worthy work (Yeah for us Oregonians !) and put your money directly into his pocket without a middleman taking their cut.

The Slumberhouse site can be a bit cranky at times, so give it time to rest a little if it doesn't come up the first time.

Re: Slumberhouse

Grev is extremely similar to Jil Sander for Men, probably because of the cloves, mint and cedar, but less sharp, more wearable and interesting at the same time, that keeps getting better in the drydown, my favorite in the line.

Kere is just a crazy composition, has this fruity sweet notes mixed with dark realistic curry spices and lasts forever on clothes, no kidding there.

Sova it's a better experiment than Kere, both spicy and sweet, but not my cup of tea either.

Jeke has this really interesting drydown, nothing surprising, just the notes listed, but unfortunately is not of the long lasting ones

Vikt and Norne have better reviews than anything I can come up with, both good in their own way, but prefer Norne.

Rume seems to be the base for an unfinished perfume (at least the sample I got) and by itself doesn't appeal at all to me.

EDIT: the unlabeled yellow one seems to be Pear & Olive, I get a strong Secretions Magnifiques vibe, which is awful, mix with fruity sharp sweetness, just meh for me.

Re: Slumberhouse

Got a sample of this in a split as a bonus, only spent about 10 minutes with it because we were about to go to some friends house and it was heavy duty.

At first blast I smelled like a jar of cloves sitting in a campfire? I don't see cloves in the notes but I swear its the closest thing I have smelled to it. Maybe even a clove cigarette, interesting but not sure I can pull that off.

“Perfume is like cocktails without the hangover, like chocolate without the calories, like an affair without tears, like a vacation from which you never have to come back.”

Re: Slumberhouse

I'm still sort of curious as to just how much his fragrances have changed as a result the reformulations he does. I have a number of of samples from the group of samples he sent out a year or so ago, and I get the sense that they may not be proper references anymore. I know the sample of Grev that I have can't possibly be like what's out now, and I suspect many of the others have been tweeked as well.

But all for the better, is what I'm more than willing to believe.

Now....where's that new iteration of Brosse that I thought was supposed to show up this Fall ? A number of us received samples of it last fall, but I'm not sure if it was actually released as something a person could purchase. Very interesting stuff for sure, but perhaps an idea that's been rolled into some of the newer formulations.

P.S. In this day and age, how many perfumes come out which have been reformulated so they are better than they were before ?

Re: Slumberhouse

You are correct and I never thouught about how the reformulations Josh does improve the fragrances. That is the way it should be when one cares about what they are doing. Very un-corporate, un-selfish and very honest artistically. I can only thank Josh for helpiing Keep Portland Weird.

Everyone should go to his website today before it is too late tp take advantage of this sale and buy something. And no I do not work fo Josh and have no affiliation at all.

Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by Birdboy48

I'm still sort of curious as to just how much his fragrances have changed as a result the reformulations he does. I have a number of of samples from the group of samples he sent out a year or so ago, and I get the sense that they may not be proper references anymore. I know the sample of Grev that I have can't possibly be like what's out now, and I suspect many of the others have been tweeked as well.

But all for the better, is what I'm more than willing to believe.

Now....where's that new iteration of Brosse that I thought was supposed to show up this Fall ? A number of us received samples of it last fall, but I'm not sure if it was actually released as something a person could purchase. Very interesting stuff for sure, but perhaps an idea that's been rolled into some of the newer formulations.

P.S. In this day and age, how many perfumes come out which have been reformulated so they are better than they were before ?

Gotta love that idea.

I read somewhere that he created Brosse while on hallucinogens, so it may not be that easy to recreate. I have a small sample of it and it's a very interesting fragrance. I've been waiting to see if it ever comes out, too. I think he did say somewhere that he was working on another batch, but that it takes a while because he intentionally "damages" some ingredient(s) with harsh light.

Re: Slumberhouse

I want to pull the trigger on Norne, especially at the discounted price, but from what I have read about it, people compare it to Polo Green, and I'm not a huge fan of Polo Green. So, for those of you who know...is it really like Polo Green or is it that people don't really know how else to describe it? From the description of the notes I feel like I would really like it, and I don't know how those notes would add up to a Polo Green smell, but if it does then it's not for me. Can anyone help me out here? Thanks in advance.

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I want to pull the trigger on Norne, especially at the discounted price, but from what I have read about it, people compare it to Polo Green, and I'm not a huge fan of Polo Green. So, for those of you who know...is it really like Polo Green or is it that people don't really know how else to describe it? From the description of the notes I feel like I would really like it, and I don't know how those notes would add up to a Polo Green smell, but if it does then it's not for me. Can anyone help me out here? Thanks in advance.

Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by Kybid

I want to pull the trigger on Norne, especially at the discounted price, but from what I have read about it, people compare it to Polo Green, and I'm not a huge fan of Polo Green. So, for those of you who know...is it really like Polo Green or is it that people don't really know how else to describe it? From the description of the notes I feel like I would really like it, and I don't know how those notes would add up to a Polo Green smell, but if it does then it's not for me. Can anyone help me out here? Thanks in advance.

- - - Updated - - -

I want to pull the trigger on Norne, especially at the discounted price, but from what I have read about it, people compare it to Polo Green, and I'm not a huge fan of Polo Green. So, for those of you who know...is it really like Polo Green or is it that people don't really know how else to describe it? From the description of the notes I feel like I would really like it, and I don't know how those notes would add up to a Polo Green smell, but if it does then it's not for me. Can anyone help me out here? Thanks in advance.

I don't think it smells like Polo at all. Norne is smoother, more camphorous, more genuinely woodsy. I think the only reason anyone would compare the two is because they are both pine-related. If the notes make it sound like something you'd like, you probably will. It's great. Have you read the reviews in the directory?

Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by Tonyprince

I don't think it smells like Polo at all. Norne is smoother, more camphorous, more genuinely woodsy. I think the only reason anyone would compare the two is because they are both pine-related. If the notes make it sound like something you'd like, you probably will. It's great. Have you read the reviews in the directory?

Thanks for the response...I have read the reviews in the directory, I've been reading what people have been saying in the forums also and they have related it to Polo Green and it just hasn't made sense to me because the notes don't seem like they would smell like it at all. Smoother, more camphor's, and genuinely woodsy sounds great to me. I really do think I would like it. Thanks for your words.

Re: Slumberhouse

Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by Kybid

Thanks for the response...I have read the reviews in the directory, I've been reading what people have been saying in the forums also and they have related it to Polo Green and it just hasn't made sense to me because the notes don't seem like they would smell like it at all. Smoother, more camphor's, and genuinely woodsy sounds great to me. I really do think I would like it. Thanks for your words.

Kybid, I really don't like Polo Green at all and I love Norne. I find them nothing alike other than maybe a vague piney resemblance. But a couple notes in common don't necessarily make two fragrances similar. You're safe with Norne as long as you're expecting something powerfully coniferous. Deep, robust, dense and just a little bit smokey. All natural and completely uncompromising.

Re: Slumberhouse

I was ready to buy some bottles but the size increase was a negative factor for me. I really didnt liked the upgrade from 30ml to 50ml. At least it would be nice to keep the lower size available.
I think i will pass.

Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by d4N13L

I was ready to buy some bottles but the size increase was a negative factor for me. I really didnt liked the upgrade from 30ml to 50ml. At least it would be nice to keep the lower size available.
I think i will pass.

I've come to a similar conclusion. Another thing that has kept me from buying them is that upon resampling Rume and Vikt, my favourites of the line, I wasn't too taken with their drydowns...

Re: Slumberhouse

I am disappointed in myself because I still have yet to sample them, rendering me afraid to purchase one blind. I did however go ahead and order samples yesterday. I almost hope I don't like them as the sale will be over by the time I get the samples under my nose. Damn my procrastination!

Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by Buysblind

Kybid, I really don't like Polo Green at all and I love Norne. I find them nothing alike other than maybe a vague piney resemblance. But a couple notes in common don't necessarily make two fragrances similar. You're safe with Norne as long as you're expecting something powerfully coniferous. Deep, robust, dense and just a little bit smokey. All natural and completely uncompromising.

Well, I pulled the trigger on Norne! Thanks for the advice and I'm 100% positive that I will love it. Thanks again.

Re: Slumberhouse

Well, I pulled the trigger on Norne! Thanks for the advice and I'm 100% positive that I will love it.

So glad to read that you did, as Norne really is such a quality, natural pine/balsam fragrance. If you like these notes I'm certain you'll be happy with your decision. Just be prepared for its initial density and give it time to open...then, enjoy your day in the forest!

Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by demcav

So glad to read that you did, as Norne really is such a quality, natural pine/balsam fragrance. If you like these notes I'm certain you'll be happy with your decision. Just be prepared for its initial density and give it time to open...then, enjoy your day in the forest!

Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by d4N13L

How you compare it with Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles?

Sorry, I have no experience with FeA. However, in some reviews (and listed notes) for FeA there are references to spices and sweet fruits in its dry down. I don't detect either spice or fruit in Norne -- to me Norne begins as natural dense pine needles/balsam fir/cedarwood type accords veiled in frankincense, especially in the first 30 - 60 minutes, after which time the incense lifts and the evergreen notes have become somewhat lighter and more open but still very authentic.

Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by demcav

So glad to read that you did, as Norne really is such a quality, natural pine/balsam fragrance. If you like these notes I'm certain you'll be happy with your decision. Just be prepared for its initial density and give it time to open...then, enjoy your day in the forest!

I'm really excited about it. I'm sure I will love it! And thanks for the heads up with the initial density...sometimes frags really throw me for a loop at first when they are quite dense.

Originally Posted by Brian_Towers

Exactly, exaggerating (just a bit) Norne is all about an alive pine forest, not a perfume.

I love "perfumes" that aren't considered a "perfume" in the traditional sense, so this seems like it will be awesome!!

Originally Posted by hobbes22

Interestingly, I think all three smell more like places than traditional perfumes.

I love the forest and all the smells associated with it so I'm really excited to smell the place, and smell like the place.

Re: Slumberhouse

I ended up purchasing Sova, as I really did like the Tunis Mills sample (which was apparently Sova's working name) which was sent out a few months ago.

What with the small batches of things that Josh is making, and the growing recognition his work is receiving, it's hard not to see these fumes and their evolving bottle styles as markers in time, and "get em' while you can" sorts of investments.

Re: Slumberhouse

I ordered the sample-set and it arrived today with two extra samples, nicely packed in a grey pouch. Very fairly priced and also the shipping costs to Germany are low (5$), others charge much more. I already tried a little bit of "Vikt" and it smells promising, actually the base reminds me of Amouage "Attar Asrar", one of my favourite perfumes.

Re: Slumberhouse

Hey hoschhti, can you please tell me how long it took them to deliver? Is it sent from the US? I'm currently waiting for a delivery for an order I placed about two weeks ago and wonder if the "please allow five days for the item to arrive" on their website is meant for US customers only.

Re: Slumberhouse

Guten Abend Nasenmann, I ordered the samples on November 18th, they were sent out on the 24th and arrived today the 30th. So all in all 12 days. They are send from Portland, Oregon. You can write a mail to Josh and ask him where your parcel is, he replies very friendly and quickly.

Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by Nasenmann

Hey hoschhti, can you please tell me how long it took them to deliver? Is it sent from the US? I'm currently waiting for a delivery for an order I placed about two weeks ago and wonder if the "please allow five days for the item to arrive" on their website is meant for US customers only.

Got a note from Josh last night, and since he's a one man operation, he mentioned being pretty busy with packing and shipping all the orders from the sale. But as anyone will tell you, he's a very honorable and conscientious guy, and I believe he will do everything in his power to make sure you get your items.

Re: Slumberhouse

Has anyone who ordered during the sale received their shipment? I figured Josh would be busy but I've never purchased anything from Slumberhouse, and I'm not sure if I should be waiting for a shipping notification or if a package will just show up. And if so how far behind shipments are.

Re: Slumberhouse

Originally Posted by Rosenberg

Has anyone who ordered during the sale received their shipment? I figured Josh would be busy but I've never purchased anything from Slumberhouse, and I'm not sure if I should be waiting for a shipping notification or if a package will just show up. And if so how far behind shipments are.

I have not.

I ordered on the 25th and haven't received anything yet, not even an email regarding the transaction. I was wondering the same thing, and I'm thinking maybe a package will just show up one of these days. We'll see.

Re: Slumberhouse

You guys need not worry. He is a one man show. Your package may not arrive as soon as you would expect from a warehouse operation but given the volume of orders he gets at the annual sales they come in a reasonable period of time. That has been my experience in the past. I have always gotten a sample or two of something else with an order and a hand written note. Don't count on that but Josh is a stand up guy. Be a little patient even if you are excited and anxious to get your purchase. All good things are worth waiting for. ;-)